TODAY’S GAME

Miami (9-4) at New England (9-5)

The line: New England by 3.

Injuries: MIA--WR Oronde Gadsden (hamstring), CB Patrick Surtain (finger). NE--DE Willie McGinest (leg).

Story line: Just when the Dolphins thought they had the AFC East all wrapped up, along come the Patriots, threatening to ruin the party. This will be Miami’s third game in the last 13 days.

Keys to the game: With the Dolphin offense sputtering, why isn’t Coach Dave Wannstedt giving talented rookie Travis Minor a larger role? Jay Fiedler must go deep early and often to rookie Chris Chambers to help set up the running game. While Lamar Smith may be struggling along at 2.9 yards a carry, he rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown in 29 carries earlier this season vs. the Patriots. While the Dolphins have the reputation of being stout defensively, they are ceding almost 30 points a game on the road this season, hardly championship caliber. Tom Brady doesn’t resemble the most gifted passer or playmaker, but the gutsy quarterback knows how to win, which makes him dangerous. Brady needs to be wary on sideline routes against a Dolphin secondary that is terrific at reading routes and concealing coverages. The Patriots should take advantage of the Dolphins’ injury-depleted defensive front by pounding Antowain Smith between the tackles.

The pick: New England.

Philadelphia (9-4) at San Francisco

The line: San Francisco by 21/2.

Injuries: PHI--DT Paul Grasmanis (knee). SF--TE Greg Clark (hamstring), QB Jeff Garcia (ribs).

Story line: With both clubs virtually assured postseason berths, this great matchup should be viewed as a playoff primer. The Eagles are 6-0 on the road this season, and the 49ers are 6-1 at home.

Keys to the game: The Eagle defense has surrendered only 15 touchdowns this season and shut the door on opponents by permitting an average of only 4.3 points in the second half. Led by their young, talented, speed-rushing bookends Andre Carter and Chike Okeafor, the 49ers have been sneaking up on opponents with a stingy defensive unit of their own lately. The San Francisco defense has 10 sacks in the last two games after a mere 15 sacks over the first 11. Against Donovan McNabb, the 49ers will try to disguise their coverages and blitz occasionally. Philadelphia’s receivers have trouble creating separation on timing patterns, often leaving McNabb to fend for himself. The Eagle secondary is among the best in the league, so look for the 49ers to pound Philadelphia’s undersized interior with a steady dose of Garrison Hearst.

The pick: Philadelphia

Tennessee (6-7) at Oakland (10-3)

The line: Oakland by 6.

Injuries: TEN--SS Blaine Bishop (foot); RB Eddie George (ankle), MLB Randall Godfrey (knee), QB Steve McNair (back), CB Samari Rolle (foot). OAK--G Mo Collins (leg).

Story line: It’s a special Saturday night version of “Monday Night Football.” Tennessee is barely hanging on to postseason hopes.

Keys to the game: Is Skip Hicks ready to supplant Eddie George as the Titans’ featured back? Hicks has 206 yards in 21 carries over the last two games, while George continues to suffer from multiple leg injuries. The Raiders’ front seven have been victimized by slashing cutback runners this season, but they should have little trouble with the Titans’ straight-ahead style. Steve McNair has been putting together the best passing performances in his career in recent weeks, with at least two touchdown passes in four consecutive games. Yet McNair is also playing hurt, hampered by back and elbow ailments. Look for the trio of Rich Gannon, Tim Brown and Jerry Rice to put up some gaudy numbers against an injury-depleted Titan secondary that has been stung for six touchdown passes in the last two games. Rice has been especially resurgent, with 29 catches, 443 yards and six touchdowns in his last five games.

The pick: Oakland.

Compiled by Roy Jurgens